Economics Writing

Here's one of Steven Landsburg's old columns. I like this kind of thing because he takes a simple economic issue, the sort of thing that might bug you or pique your curiosity momentarily, and he analyzes it to bits using the tools of economics. fun.

Here's another Landsburg piece. Whether you agree with him or not, he does do a good job applying economics to, in this case, an issue of serious moral and political weight, and he comes to some conclusions. Note that he's not simply making an economic argument, but using economics to make a moral argument.

and so we come to Tim Harford who neither illuminates some little facet of everyday life nor offers a view on some major moral issue. In fact, he doesn't even make much of an economic point -- he just sort of diddles around on the periphery. He's just convinced you that there's something interesting to think about and getting you ready for something interesting when he thinks he's done.

so thumbs down to Tim Harford.. but Steven Landsburg and Tyler Cowen both have books out. I haven't read them yet, but they're on my list...